Finnish melodic metallers Psychework are set to release their sophomore album on 20th of April, 2018 through Ranka Kustannus. While the full-length, titled “Karelian Hills”, is not a concept album, it lays out a vast and brutal scenery of war with true stories set in Karelia, Russia, and Poland. The subject was briefly explored on their 2016 debut, “The Dragon’s Year”, which focused mostly on a more personal battle. Singer Antony Parviainen elaborates on lyrical themes:

“After our first album, which was created around a weighty theme, I started to think what could be a theme for our next album, what kind of thing could match “The Dragon’s Year”. So I delved into stories about World War II, mainly biographies, and we created an oppressive, distressing, melodramatic score around those stories; the songs, at times reaching a mood that’s no less than deranged, remind clearly of the gruesomeness of war, and human fates and fatalities. Some of the stories are set in the woods of Finnish Karelia, but since my own roots are in Karelia as well, the title of the album has a very personal meaning for me.”

Music-wise “Karelian Hills” won’t stretch far from the well-received debut, but further builds up and solidifies a sound that can be unmistakably considered as Psychework. Including singles “Siege”, “Ghost Patrol”, and “Fury and the Beast”, the eight tracks of richly layered, nuanced melodic metal introduce an even more dynamic six-piece, seasoned with performances from guests like Wild Till Hiltunen (Steve ‘N’ Seagulls).

“Karelian Hills” tracklist:

Siege
Phantoms White
Sky Keeps Raining
Fury and the Beast
Karelian Hills
Fire Still Burns
Ghost Patrol
There Beyond

Psychework tour dates:

21.4. Lutakko, Jyväskylä (w/ Kamara)
27.4. Crafters, Hyvinkää (w/ Thaurorod)
4.5. Jack The Rooster, Tampere
18.5. Virgin Oil, Helsinki (w/ Thaurorod)
16.6. Ykän Pubin Metallifestival, Oulu
30.6. Hurmos Pub, Äänekoski